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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

ATF and FBI Increase Reward to $102,000 in I-96 Shootings

Special Agent in Charge David L. McCain of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Detroit Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley III of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit Division announced today that each agency is contributing $50,000 to the reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the I-96 corridor shootings, which are north and west of the Warrendale neighborhood.

Since October 16, there have been 25 shooting incidents, with the most recent shootings occurring on Saturday October 27. Saturday’s shootings resulted in a non-life threatening injury to a man driving eastbound on I-96 from the Kalamazoo area to attend the World Series game in Detroit. This is the first injury associated with the string of shootings.

In addition to the ATF and FBI reward, Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the shootings, bringing the total reward up to $102,000.

Mr. McCain said in a prepared statement, “These senseless shootings must be stopped. This individual has no regard for public safety and is attempting to cause injury and fear to citizens that utilize I-96 on an everyday basis. The danger and burden these shooting incidents place on our citizens is unacceptable. These shootings are now one of ATF’s Detroit Field Division’s top priorities. I have authorized additional personnel and resources to the task force, and we will continue to work with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners to bring this individual to justice”

Mr. Foley added, "The person or persons responsible for these random, violent shootings has demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life. These acts of violence pose a serious threat that is being answered by numerous law enforcement agencies including the FBI. The FBI continues to provide resources in order to facilitate apprehension and remains committed to supporting the task force."

The FBI is also putting forward $50,000 towards the reward, and together with ATF’s contribution, brings the total amount of the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible person or persons to $102,000. All tips will remain confidential.

These shooting incidents are being investigated jointly by the Wixom Police Department, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Sheriff’s Office, and Walled Lake Police Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police, ATF, US Marshall Service, and the FBI.

ATF, FBI and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.